Jannie Blackwell resigns from PHA board

One member of the Philadelphia Housing Authority Board has called it quits. The resignation comes after a request from Washington for the entire board to step down.

Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell says she decided to step down from her post because it was in the best interest of the tenants of the Housing Authority.

“I’ve started getting calls,” said Blackwell.  “The board loves serving and it is with great pride that I serve with individuals who are still on the board, but when it comes to the tenants being hurt and the housing authority being compromised I wanted to take the initiative to step down.”

Councilwoman Blackwell wishes that she can come back to the job.

“I’m hoping at some point in the future, people would consider reappointing me to the board,” she said.  “I am hopeful after these issues are worked out I would love to be reappointed.”

Federal officials have asked the entire board to step down as part of an effort to restore confidence in the troubled agency.